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Lake Ann Trail
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The incredible view of Mount Shuksan from the Lake Ann Trail.
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Lake Ann Trail
The Lake Ann Trail is one of the most scenic hikes in the Mount Baker Area of Washington, but in our opinion, the real reason to hike this trail is not Lake Ann itself. The main attraction is the incredible up-close view of North Cascades National Park's Mount Shuksan, which dominates the scenery near the end of the hike and is easily one of the finest mountain views in the entire Mount Baker region.
The Lake Ann Trail begins just up from the Heather Meadows Visitor Center Area, along Mount Baker Highway and immediately drops 800 vertical feet through open meadows before entering forest. This downhill beginning is something hikers should keep in mind because it means there is a noticeable uphill climb on the return trip. After reaching the valley floor, the trail begins climbing steadily toward Lake Ann through forest, mountain meadows and rocky terrain.
As you work your way uphill, the views of Mount Baker become absolutely outstanding. Looking back across the surrounding ridges and valleys, Mount Baker rises prominently in the distance, and these views become one of the major highlights of the climb. On a clear day, there are several places along the trail where hikers may want to stop simply to enjoy and photograph Mount Baker.
As you approach the Lake Ann Basin, however, Mount Shuksan takes over the scenery. Its massive walls, glaciers and jagged summit rise directly across the valley, creating an incredible close-up view that continues to improve as you climb higher. This is the highlight of the entire hike, and we think the scenery surrounding Lake Ann is far more impressive than the lake itself.
Lake Ann is a relatively small alpine lake sitting beneath the surrounding mountains. It is certainly pleasant, but compared to the tremendous presence of Mount Shuksan, the lake can feel somewhat underwhelming. For us, the spectacular views of both Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan are what make the Lake Ann Trail such an outstanding hike.
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The scenery along the Lake Ann Trail is stunning.
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The Lake Ann Trailhead is located along the highway, just up from the Heather Meadows Visitor Center Area.
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We snapped this early morning shot of the Heather Meadows Visitor Center parking lot from the Lake Ann Trailhead that's located across the highway.
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Lake Ann Trail Description
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- Trailhead: Along Mount Baker Highway, just up from the Heather Meadows Visitor Center Area.
- Total Distance: 8.2 miles round trip
- Total Elevation Gain: Approximately 2,150 feet
- Initial Elevation Loss: Approximately 800 feet during the first 2 miles
- Main Climb to Lake Ann: Once the actual climb begins near Swift Creek, the trail gains approximately 1,000 feet of elevation
- Distance of Main Climb: Approximately 1.4 to 1.5 miles
- Important Return Climb: The roughly 800 feet of elevation lost at the beginning of the hike must be regained at the very end of the return hike
- Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
- Trail Type: Out-and-back
- Main Highlight: Incredible close-up view of Mount Shuksan, which we feel is the main reason to hike the Lake Ann Trail
- Mount Baker Views: Outstanding views of Mount Baker develop during the climb toward Lake Ann
- Lake Ann: A small alpine lake surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery. In our opinion, the lake itself is not nearly as impressive as the views of Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan
- Best Time to Hike: Generally mid-to-late summer through early fall, depending on snow conditions
Important Note: One of the most important things to understand about the Lake Ann Trail is that it begins by dropping roughly 800 vertical feet into the Swift Creek valley. From there, the trail turns uphill and gains about 1,000 feet on the main climb toward Lake Ann. On the return hike, you lose that elevation again before facing the final 800-foot climb back to the trailhead. This unusual elevation profile can make the hike feel considerably tougher than the mileage alone might suggest.
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A screenshot of the Lake Ann Trail Google Earth Map.
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The initial hike along the Lake Ann Trail is through amazing meadows and forests.
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As you work your way up the forested section of the trail, you will begin getting glimpses of Mount Baker to the west.
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The views of Mount Baker become more and more spectacular as the Lake Ann Trail climbs in elevation.
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Another view of Mount Baker along the Lake Ann Trail.
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The landscape is remarkable all along the Lake Ann Trail.
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Shannon heading for the top of the ridge, where we will get our first glimpse of Lake Ann.
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This is the view of Mount Shuksan that awaits you at the top of the ridge!
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Our first glimpse of Lake Ann.
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There was still ice on Lake Ann in early August, which is not at all unusual.
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Truth be told, our favorite highlight of the Lake Ann Trail is not the lake, but rather the epic view of Mount Shuksan!
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The Lake Ann Trail is very rewarding because of the jaw-dropping view of Mount Shuksan that is near the trail's end.
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